I was hoping the Cathaoirleach might give me a leath lá.

On my own behalf and that of the Government, I extend deepest sympathy to the families of Mícheal Roarty, Shaun Harkin, Daniel Scott and John Harley who were tragically killed at the weekend in County Donegal, as well as the family of Jackie Griffin who was killed on the M50. The very worthwhile request by Senator McDowell for a debate on road traffic and road safety comes following a weekend marked by further tragic and traumatic loss of life in County Donegal. As Senator McDowell rightly stated, it sends a shiver down one's spine to again hear of four young men being killed in a car accident.

The fatal crash on the M50 highlights the need for our society to come to a proper understanding of the usage of social media and mobile technology. This House has a responsibility to legislate in that regard, but there is also an obligation on social media companies to think of the victims of tragedies and their families. The Garda addressed the issue of certain social media posts after the crash on the M50 at the weekend. The actions of some in that regard were irresponsible and, of course, illegal. It is important to recognise that bereaved families are today grieving the death of a loved one. I hope the House can send a message to all those working in road safety that we need to be more proactive. There was a 40% drop in the number of fatalities in 2018 to the lowest level since records began in 1959. However, we must not become complacent. Significantly, there was a 32% increase in the number of pedestrians killed on the roads, of whom a substantial portion are men aged 55 years or over. We have a lot of work to do. The request of Senator McDowell for the Minister to come to the House should be fulfilled as a matter of urgency.

I welcome to the Visitors Gallery Mr. Seán Moran, a very good friend of mine who has brought Gaelic games to the homes of many thousands of Irish people. He is an eminent journalist and it is great to have him in the Visitors Gallery for the Order of Business. I thank him for the great work he does in bringing Gaelic games to so many people on a daily basis.

Several Senators made reference to the issue of the nurses' strike which is-----

Yes.

Senator Devine should know that it is not a matter for cheering.

The Leader should not be interrupted. I do not think the Senator was cheering.

It is not a matter for cheering.

I do not know about that.

Senator Devine was taking a deep breath.

I thank the Cathaoirleach.

The matter was raised by Senators Ardagh, Gallagher, Ó Ríordáin and Devine. I do not know to whom Senator Ó Ríordáin was referring in belittling the strike.

I was not referring to a Member of this Chamber.

All Members know that it is the prerogative of a union to go on strike. It is important to recognise that we have a public sector pay deal and that there have been significant changes to the pay scales and salaries of public sector workers. At this late stage, I hope the Labour Court will engage in further discussion with all sides. All Members recognise the importance of nurses and the value they bring to the health system. No Senator should claim a monopoly of such knowledge. We all live in our communities and know men and women who are nurses. We have all been in hospitals - some of us have worked in them - and recognise their importance. It is important that dialogue continue. The HSE will announce contingency plans later this afternoon. Some appointments scheduled for tomorrow have been cancelled. It is important that all mechanisms be used to avoid and avert industrial action. I hope the required conversations will take place in the coming 24 hours to ensure we do not have a nurses' strike tomorrow.

Senator Ardagh raised the issue of student accommodation in Dublin 8. We will have the Minister in the House tomorrow for a debate on housing, but I will be happy to have the debate sought in due course.

I will consider further the request made by Senator Boyhan. As far as I am aware, it is not the third but the second time he has asked me.

On the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, let us be very clear, as those who attend the meeting of group leaders on a Wednesday will recognise, I always act in good faith. As Leader of the House, it is my prerogative, on behalf of the Government, to bring forward business to be dealt with in the House. It does change occasionally. I give a caveat to Members today in order that they will not be in any doubt that schedules have changed, not just in my time as Leader but in all Seanaid. I checked the position. It is extraordinary that the only item of legislation on the Order Paper that has not been agreed to at the group leaders' meeting is the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill. Every other item of legislation not on the agenda for the Wednesday meeting has been agreed to on the Order of Business. It is, however, my prerogative as Leader to make a decision. Senator Boyhan knows that I am not trying to drive a stagecoach over the schedule and that I try to consult insofar as it is possible to do so. He requested to have the Bethany home issue discussed next week. Today we will also have statements on directly elected mayors. Therefore, I try to accommodate Members insofar as I can. The important point is that, as Members of the Seanad, we have a job of work to do in passing legislation. We have spent an inordinate amount of time dealing with Committee Stage of the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill. I understand there are very sincere views held by some Members and that other Members are engaged in a game of filibustering, but to be fair, they do not iinclude Senator McDowell, although he may be part of it. The behaviour of some Members has been less than helpful in doing our job as parliamentarians. I fully accept the bona fides of Senator McDowell and I am not questioning him before he comes back and accuses me of doing so. I will not accept the amendment proposed to the Order of Business with regard to the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill. For the information of Senators McDowell and Boyhan, to the best of my knowledge, the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, will not be available tonight, but this must be confirmed. The Minister of State is in Cork today on business at University College Cork.

I will be very happy to have the debate requested by Senator Horkan on the future of Europe. We had a very good debate last week-----